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Back in September, I managed to injure my back while moving in to our apartment in Brooklyn. It turns out that repeatedly carrying 150 lbs up stairs by yourself isn’t a good idea. Additionally, it is not a good idea to take air conditioners out of windows after suffering an injury moving. Nor is it smart to crouch, hide, and ambush nephews after those 2 injuries. Bike riding, also has a negative effect. Anyways, after 7 months of repeated injuries and pain I went to see a new doctor to find out what was really going on. I had told my first doctor that I wanted an x-ray and MRI, but he had refused. After informing him that I have 2.5 doctor-in-laws, and that it would be foolish of me to try to go home without testing, he told me that he knew exactly what was wrong with me (herniated disc) and didn’t need, or want, to do any testing. The very first thing my new doctor wanted to do was an x-ray. This x-ray showed that I have a fractured vertebrae in my lumbar spine. Next thing he did was send me to get an MRI. It was very relaxing. I had to lay perfectly still for 30 minutes in a chamber that must be terrible for the claustrophobic. There were only a few inches on each side of me. I imagined that i was in deep freeze on a long space voyage…. :) What I didnt expect, was how very loud the machine was. Despite that I almost fell asleep several times, only to be awakened by the technician announcing over a speaker how long the next phase of the test would be. Dam him for ruining my nap, haha. I scanned two of the MRI films and have them below. Basically they show a herniated disc. Luckily, no serious damage from my fracture (though i should have given myself more time to heal). Physical therapy for a few months, and I should be 100%.

I’ve been looking forward to this show ever since I spotted the first ad for it on the subway. One of the biggest auto shows in the world, many concepts are unveiled here for the first time. Every manufacturer makes an impressive showing. Except, of course, Buick. They don’t have anything impressive. Jeep was there with a free ride through a constructed obstacle course of tree stumps, logs and huge inclines. Subaru had hydraulic rally simulators. Bentley had cars so classy you couldn’t get close enough to spit on. Hummer was burning a pile of logs to simulate their effect on the environment. Chevy had a Corvette suspended from the ceiling. BMW had free t-shirts. It was fun. See the pictures:

I was walking down the street in midtown when I came across this fantastic mailbox. I have a whole new respect for the USPS now. Apparently, this is part of the 30th anniversary of Star Wars celebration. In addition to a few mailboxes like this one, there will also be a Star Wars stamp. Vote on what it will be here